BRICS Nations Criticize Trump’s Tariffs, Denounce Strikes on Iran

BRICS leaders, meeting at a summit on Sunday, sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s “indiscriminate” import tariffs and condemned the recent Israeli-U.S. military strikes on Iran.

The 11-member BRICS bloc—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—used its Sunday summit to voice unified opposition to escalating unilateral tariffs, which they say threaten global economic stability. Representing roughly half the world’s population and 40% of global economic output, the group rarely finds full consensus, but came together to criticize what they described as harmful protectionist policies.

Though the joint statement avoided mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump by name, it expressed “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff measures,” warning such actions could severely damage international trade and growth.

Trump, in characteristic fashion, responded Sunday night with a direct social media rebuke of the bloc, signaling no intention to retreat from his trade war stance.

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions with the BRICS bloc on Sunday, warning that any nation aligning with what he labeled “anti-American policies” would face an additional 10% tariff—with no exceptions.

“Any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

The warning came just hours after BRICS leaders issued a joint statement condemning unilateral tariffs and offering symbolic support to fellow member Iran. The bloc criticized recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and strategic facilities.

This comes amid ongoing global trade uncertainty. In April, Trump had already rattled markets with threats of sweeping new tariffs on both adversaries and allies, only to delay enforcement after facing intense financial backlash.

President Donald Trump has warned that he will impose unilateral tariffs on trade partners unless new agreements are reached by August 1, intensifying pressure on global allies and rivals alike.

Despite mounting concern over U.S. trade policy, the BRICS summit declaration issued Sunday avoided naming the United States or President Trump directly. In what appeared to be a diplomatic concession to U.S. allies within the bloc—such as Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia—the final communiqué stopped short of openly criticizing Washington’s approach.

Still, the group voiced strong opposition to rising protectionism and unilateral economic actions, signaling deep unease with Trump’s hardline trade stance

BRICS Unity Wavers as Key Leaders Skip Summit, Gaza and AI Dominate Talks

Once seen as a rising coalition of emerging powers, BRICS faces growing internal discord as it expands to include nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia. At this year’s summit, sharp divisions emerged over global conflicts and U.S. dominance, while notable absences—including China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin—dampened the bloc’s political weight.

Despite longstanding tensions, members issued a joint call for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza, and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas welcomed the stance, urging BRICS to pressure Israel further. Yet Iran, historically hostile to Israel, expressed private reservations but did not oppose the statement outright.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister skipped the talks altogether, underlining diplomatic sensitivities given Riyadh’s close military ties to the U.S.

Beyond geopolitics, the summit addressed artificial intelligence, warning that regulation must ensure global equity—not just benefit wealthy nations. While the U.S. leads in AI technology, BRICS nations, particularly China, are rapidly advancing.

Putin, who attended via video due to international arrest warrants, reaffirmed BRICS’s global role, but internal differences and high-profile no-shows signaled a bloc still struggling to speak with one voice.